Damian finally turned to look at Jamie, a sharp smile touching his lips. It didn't reach his eyes, and the banker instinctively took a half-step back, sensing the frost beneath the Duke's royal composure.
Jamie and his wife offered a hasty bow, murmuring their excuses before disappearing into the crowd, clearly sensing that the Duke was in no mood for pleasantries.
"What's this cold attitude?" Eilika asked in a low hiss as they began to move through the hall.
"You're the reason. You called me a liar," Damian answered, his gaze fixed forward now, his jaw set in a hard line.
Eilika arched her eyebrows, tilting her head to catch his eye. "Because you were lying. Fine, I apologize. Now, please, respond to people's greetings with a bit of humility."
"Sis!"
Rosaline's voice suddenly reached their ears. Eilika lifted her head to see her sister standing a few feet away, her eyes anchored firmly on Damian with a look that was far too lingering to be mere sisterly respect.
